South Carolina 843 / 854 Area Code Overlay FAQs

An overlay is the addition of another area code to the same geographic area as an existing area code. You won't have to change your existing area code or phone number, but it does require you to dial the area code and the 7-digit number for all calls. In South Carolina, the 854 area code is being added to the area served by the 843 area code.

Anyone who has a phone number with an 843 area code is affected, as well as anyone that receives a phone number from the 854 area code in the future. The 843 area code generally covers the eastern and coastal counties in the state of South Carolina serving communities such as:

• Beaufort
• Charleston
• Florence
• Hilton Head Island
• Myrtle Beach

The 854 area code will cover the same geographic area as the 843 area code.

The map below shows the 843 / 854 overlay area.

The new 854 area code is being added to the geographic area served by the 843 area code. Because more than one area code will serve the same geographic area, if you have an 843 or 854 phone number, you will need to dial  or enter the area code for all calls - including calls within the same area code. To complete local calls from a phone with an 843 or 854 area code, the new dialing  procedure requires you to dial the area code + 7-digit phone number.

Beginning March 14, 2015, if you have an 843 area code, you should start dialing the area code for all calls. There will be a grace period, so if you forget and dial just 7 digits during the grace period, your call will still be completed.

Beginning September 19, 2015, if you have an 843 area code, the new dialing procedure will be required for all calls. On or after this date, if you don't use the new dialing procedure, your call won't be completed and a recording will instruct you to hang up and dial again.

Beginning October 19, 2015, new telephone lines or services may be assigned numbers with the 854 area code. If you have an 854 area code, you must dial the area code + 7-digit phone number on all calls or the call won't be completed.

The 854 area code is being added to the area served by the 843 area code to ensure a continuing supply of phone numbers. Because more than one area code will now serve the same geographic region, the area code + phone number must be used when dialing any phone number, including calls within the same area code.

No. The only change is dialing the area code for all calls. Your current area code and 7-digit phone number will not change. The price of a call, your plan and coverage area, and other rates and services won't change because of the overlay. All local calls will remain local, regardless of the number of digits dialed.

In addition to dialing the area code + phone number for all calls, you should also complete the following items:

• Update any pre-programmed 7-digit phone numbers in your mobile device to include the area code, as well as any text or email alert services.


• Re-program all services and devices that utilize a 7-digit phone number to include the area code, including automatic dialing equipment. Other examples include:
  
  
  • Life safety systems and medical monitoring devices
  • Fire or burglar alarm and security systems
  • Security gates
  • Speed dialers
  • Calll forwarding settings
  • Fax machines
  • Internet dial-up numbers
  • Voice mail services and similar functions


• Check your websites, personal and business stationery, advertising materials, personal and business checks, contact information and your ID tags to ensure the area code is included.

The following items will remain the same and won't change:

• Your phone number, including current area code


• The price of a call, coverage area or other rates and services


• Calls that are considered local now will remain local calls, regardless of the number of digits dialed


• 911 calls are not affected, only three digits are required


• If 211, 311, 411, 511, 611, 711 or 811 are currently available in your community, you'll still be able to call them by dialing just three digits

Because two area codes (843 and 854) will serve the same geographic area, if you have an 843 or 854 area code, you'll need to dial the area code and phone number for all calls.

If you have any questions about the 843 / 854 area code overlay, please contact us at (800) 922-0204.